Recreation

Area Status: Open

A part of the fabric of everyday life for thousands of people who live in communities inside and around its boundaries, the Ocala National Forest is a significant public resource for residents and visitors alike.

Deer hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, horseback riding, and canoeing are all traditional uses that continue to this day, along with more modern additions such as OHV trails.

The new Interactive Visitor Map is a work in progress. We will continue to update it with additional information as it becomes available. The map currently includes information for most National Forest recreation sites and roads.

At a Glance

Operational Hours:

The Ocala National Forest is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Managed recreation areas within the Forest may set their own hours.

Camping & Cabins

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Campground Camping

Sleeping under the stars along a sparkling lake or in a shady forest: what better way to get your family back in touch with the outdoors? A relaxed evening in a tent or trailer rejuvenates you for the next work week.

Of the fourteen developed campgrounds in the Ocala National Forest, only Salt Springs offers full hook-up service. However, several campgrounds have dump stations and shower facilities. The remaining campgrounds offer fewer amenities.

General Info:

Photos & Multimedia: Photos & Multimedia

Current Conditions:

Status:

Open

Fees:

Fees range from $12-26 per night

Reservation required?:

Y

Reservation info:

Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis with advance reservations available through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

Usage:

Accessible campsites, restrooms, showers and walkways are available throughout various campgrounds in the Ocala National Forest. Call the appropriate district to determine if the facility you have chosen will suit your needs.

Hours of Operation:

8 AM to 8 PM; closing hours vary by season. If you plan to arrive late, call ahead to ensure you receive a gate code.

Group Camping

Plan a family reunion or a social gathering at one of our beautiful group campgrounds. These campgrounds provide exclusive use when rented for a group. They offer a variety of amenities, and are available by reservation only.

General Info:

Photos & Multimedia: Photos & Multimedia

Status:

Open

Fees:

Starts at $50 per night. Depends on number of people and length of stay.

Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping means primitive tent camping wherever you like throughout the forest. Primary access is via our trail systems for OHV, equestrians, paddlers, and hikers. However, there are some specific restrictions to disbursed camping:

Cabin Rentals

Large families and small groups will enjoy our two rental cabins, both of vintage Civilian Conservation Corps craftsmanship. The Lake Dorr Cabin is nestled on the south end of Lake Dorr and can accommodate 10 persons. Sweetwater Cabin, accommodating 12, overlooks Sweetwater Spring, a freshwater spring that flows into Juniper Run.

General Info:

Fishing

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Lake and Pond Fishing

Fishing is a very popular activity inside the Ocala National Forest, where our larger lakes - particularly Lake George and Lake Kerr - yield serious-sized bass. Small lakes offer an opportunity for a quiet afternoon spent casting for panfish.

River and Stream Fishing

Cast for bass in the free-flowing Ocklawaha, or try your luck from your kayak adrift down Alexander Run. With two major rivers and several large streams flowing through the Ocala National Forest, both bank fishing and fishing from your watercraft - motorized or not - can be enjoyed on our subtropical waterways.

Hiking

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Day Hiking

With nearly a dozen day hiking destinations plus segments of the statewide Florida Trail awaiting exploration, the Ocala National Forest is a major draw for day hikers looking for a long walk in the woods.

General Info:

Photos & Multimedia: Photos & Multimedia

Fees:

Per-person entrance fees are charged at developed Recreation Areas.

Permit:

No permits are required for hiking or backpacking in the Ocala National Forest.

Usage:

Hikers should check the current alerts on this websites for changes to trail conditions caused by fire, flooding, or structural damage.

Best Season:

Fall-Spring

Hours of Operation:

Day hiking is best in the early mornings. Trails for day hiking are generally open dawn to dusk unless otherwise posted.

Backpacking

The Ocala National Forest is Florida's top destination for backpacking, thanks to nearly 100 miles of the Florida Trail, our National Scenic Trail in Florida, entering the forest from three different directions. The St. Francis Trail offers an overnight backpacking experience on a loop trail.

General Info:

Directions:

Please see specific trail segments for trailhead directions.

General Notes:

Up to a week's worth of backpacking can be accomplished along the Florida Trail between the northern edge of the Ocala National Forest at Rodman Reservoir and the southern edge at Clearwater Lake Recreation Area. The Florida Trail's western connector between Sharpes Ferry Road and Kerr Island takes 2-3 days to traverse.

Parking:

Trailheads are provided for parking. Visitors assume all risk for leaving cars overnight. A popular option is for backpackers to leave a car parked inside a managed recreation area for a fee, and be dropped off at a trailhead to hike back to their car.

Overview/Background:

Backpacking in the Ocala National Forest started in the late 1960s with the creation of the Ocala Trail, which later became a part of the statewide Florida Trail. Scoutmaster and reptile wrangler Ross Allen, who managed the Ross Allen Reptile Institute at Silver Springs, was among those who popularized the Ocala National Forest for backpacking with Boy Scout troops.

Permits & Regulations:

No permit is required to backpack in the Ocala National Forest.

Safety Information:

Your food must be hung or stored in a bear-proof container while you are backpacking.

Be aware of hunting seasons, particular general gun season, which occurs in the fall. Wear blaze orange during hunting seasons.

Near Farles Lake, the Florida Trail follows the edge of a bombing range within the forest. If you see anything that looks like ordinance, do not touch it. Report it at the nearest Recreation Area or ranger station.

Seasonal Information:

Our optimal backpacking season is October - April, with the peak January-March due to cool temperatures and minimal insects.

Please be aware that although this is Florida, we still get freezing weather in winter. Prep your backpacking gear and clothing accordingly.

The Big Scrub is a fire-dependent habitat, and as such, very prone to wildfire. Prescribed burns are held throughout the forest, particularly on clear, cool winter and spring days. Check our website for fire alerts before planning your trek.

Elevation desc

Moderate elevation changes occur from south to north as you hike the Florida Trail. The highest hills are near Lake Delancy.

Difficulty Desc.

Intermediate. Difficult stretches include large patches of shadeless open scrub and swampy floodplain forests at the southwest corner of the Forest.

Status:

Open

Fees:

There are no fees for backpacking. If you leave a car overnight behind a gate at a managed Recreation Area, there may be a fee.

Horse Riding & Camping

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Horse Camping

The historic Doe Lake Recreation Area is a group camping area optimized for equestrian use. In addition to having easy access to equestrian trails, it has hitching posts and plenty of space for horse trailers.

Fees:

Fees are required for group camping

Reservation required?:

Y

Rental info:

Reservations are required for group camping. Individual camping is not permitted.

JNB Horse Haven Farm is a permitted outfitter with the Ocala National Forest. Guided trail and wagon rides are available from this farm, located approximately 8 miles west of Altoona. Tent sites and picnic areas area available for independent horse owners. Trail ride lessons are also available. Call (352) 753-4756 for more information.

Nature Viewing

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Viewing Wildlife

Wildlife watching in the Ocala National Forest is a delight, especially for birders. With the state's largest populations of Florida black bears and Florida scrub-jays as well as red-cockaded woodpeckers, Sherman's fox squirrel, and the Florida sand skink, our vast acreage provides a home for species that have otherwise lost massive swaths of habitat throughout the state of Florida.

General Info:

Photos & Multimedia: Photos & Multimedia

Usage:

Wildlife can be seen along our trails and waterways as well along our roadways, especially the Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway, SR 40. Drive with caution, particularly at dawn and dusk when wildlife is most active.

Viewing Plants

The home of the world's largest contiguous scrub forest, the Ocala National Forest is notable in its botanical diversity. Atop the Ancient Island Ridge in the middle of the forest, endemic species of mints and lichens thrive on ancient dunes. The cool microclimate of Mormon Branch enables endangered plants like the yellow star-anise and Florida willow to survive.

Viewing Scenery

Scenic views in the Ocala National Forest? Experience them along our scenic roads. One of the best and more offbeat paved experiences is a drive up FR 11 (historically known as 88) between SR 314 and SR 40.

Slicing horizontally through the forest, SR 40 is designated the Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway with good reason. Bears are particularly active at dawn and dusk in the heart of the Big Scrub between Mill Dam and Astor.

General Info:

OHV Riding & Camping

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OHV Camping

Several campgrounds in the forest cater to OHV enthusiasts, including Big Scrub and Lake Delancy West. These campgrounds offer ample space for loading and unloading plus corrals for vehicles when not in use.

OHV Road Riding

The Tread Lightly! Four Wheel Drive Way is an 81 mile system of Forest Service roads available for licensed off-road vehicles only.

The purpose of this trail is to prevent resource damage, to encourage study and enjoyment of nature, highlight the importance of conservation, provide scenic and visual enjoyment, and instill appreciation of the nation's history, cultural resources and traditional values.

General Info:

Permits & Regulations:

OHV Passes

OHV 3 Day Trail Pass

For ATV and other off-road vehicle use. $10 per person for 3 days; $5 per person 15 years of age and under. Good on the Apalachicola and Ocala National Forests.

OHV Annual Pass

For ATV and other off-road vehicle use. $75 per year; good for one year from month of purchase. The pass is good on OHV trails on both the Apalachicola and Ocala National Forests. (Osceola National Forest roads open to OHVs are free.) Purchase is per person, not vehicle.

Important Information

OHV Training

All riders 16 and under must take and pass an online course in OHV safety before using the trails in the National Forests in Florida. These courses are administered by several state-approved agencies and, depending on the curriculum, can be taken in person or online.

All riders 16 and under must carry with them a certification card of the ATV safety course they have completed, or they will not be allowed to obtain an OHV permit or ride in the National Forests in Florida.

Riding Restrictions

OHVs must stay on the designated trails. All cross-country travel by a motorized vehicle, including OHVs, is prohibited.

No mudding or destruction of resources is allowed.

Except on sections designated on the trails, all roads are closed to non-street legal OHVs.

It is not legal to “cut donuts” in roads or ride road cut banks and fill slopes.

It is not legal for riders to make their own trails.

Trailheads close at dusk. No night-riding allowed.

Alcohol is prohibited in day-use areas.

Riding double is not allowed unless the vehicle is designed for more than one passenger (such as a utility vehicle).

Users are encouraged to keep tread depth to a maximum of 1 inch. This will help prevent soil displacement and reduce trail maintenance costs.

Required Equipment, Title and Fees

Forest Service-approved spark arrestors are required on all National Forest lands.

Florida requires OHVs to be titled to allow determination of ownership.

OHV Trail Riding

The Ocala National Forest offers a variety of riding opportunities for Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts. Trails are designed for slow speeds for riders to view and appreciate scenery and wildlife as well as to highlight the importance of conservation, forest management, and history.

General Info:

Photos & Multimedia: Photos & MultimediaPermits & Regulations:

OHV Passes

OHV 3 Day Trail Pass

For ATV and other off-road vehicle use. $10 per person for 3 days; $5 per person 15 years of age and under. Good on the Apalachicola and Ocala National Forests.

OHV Annual Pass

For ATV and other off-road vehicle use. $75 per year; good for one year from month of purchase. The pass is good on OHV trails on both the Apalachicola and Ocala National Forests. (Osceola National Forest roads open to OHVs are free.) Purchase is per person, not vehicle.

Riding Restrictions

OHVs must stay on the designated trails. All cross-country travel by a motorized vehicle, including OHVs, is prohibited.

No mudding or destruction of resources is allowed.

Except on sections designated on the trails, all roads are closed to non-street legal OHVs.

It is not legal to “cut donuts” in roads or ride road cut banks and fill slopes.

It is not legal for riders to make their own trails.

Trailheads close at dusk. No night-riding allowed.

Alcohol is prohibited in day-use areas.

Riding double is not allowed unless the vehicle is designed for more than one passenger (such as a utility vehicle).

Users are encouraged to keep tread depth to a maximum of 1 inch. This will help prevent soil displacement and reduce trail maintenance costs.

Required Equipment, Title and Fees

Forest Service-approved spark arrestors are required on all National Forest lands.

Florida requires OHVs to be titled to allow determination of ownership.

Riders should wear appropriate safety gear, carry a first aid kit and ride with caution.

The trails are two-way and provide a primitive trail experience. Blind turns, hikers, down trees, other riders and horses should be anticipated.

Riding fast is hazardous and is not recommended.

It is unlawful to operate an OHV under the influence of drugs or alcohol or in such a manner that endangers the safety of others.

Children under the age of 16 are required to wear a helmet, goggles and boots, attend a state-approved OHV safety course and be supervised by an adult.

Status:

Open

Status description:

Rider on Delancy Loops

Fees:

Permits range from $5-10 for 1-3 days to $75 per year

Permit required?:

Y

Permit:

The Ocala National Forest charges fees for Off-Road Vehicle (OHV) use. Fees help us provide additional services and a better recreation experience for riders, and are used to help fund trail maintenance, upkeep of trailhead facilities, signage, information, safety, and compliance patrols.
Passes are sold per operator. Riders must display proof of fee payment on the front left side of their body. Any vehicle defined by the state of Florida as legal for use on state roads does not need the pass to use the 81 miles of mixed-use trails. However dual sport bikes using the designated trails must pay the OHV fee. Users must access the trail system through designated trailheads.
Yearly and 7-Day passes are available at the ranger stations and visitor centers.

Yearly Pass: $75 per Operator

7-Day Pass: $25 per Operator

1-3 Day Pass: $10 per Operator
* Children 15 years and under are half price (50% off) for this pass only
* Available at each OHV Trailhead and at the Salt Springs Visitor Center
* Checks or exact change only

Usage:

OHV trail status can change frequently. Visitors should obtain a map and contact the local ranger district offices or visitor centers to learn site-specific and current information before heading out.

Other Activities

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Target Shooting

Fee-free and available for public use when classes are not in session, the Ocala Shooting Range is an unsupervised target shooting area located north of SR 40 and east of Mill Dam. Backboards are provided, but shooters should bring their own targets and tacks or staples, and those using the shotgun range should bring their own targets.

Status:

Open

Usage:

Since the facility is unsupervised, cooperation among shooters is a must!

Hours of Operation:

Sunrise to sunset. Closed Wednesdays for repairs, and closed to public use whenever classes are in session.

Outdoor Learning

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Visitor Programs

Visitor programs are an important part of the educational outreach provided by the Ocala National Forest. Programs are typically arranged and announced in advance, and may include topics like the biology of the Florida black bear, campfire safety, or understanding our springs.

Check the News Releases portion of our website for the latest about our visitor programs.

Interpretive Areas

Interpretive areas provide an understanding of our forest's flora and fauna as well as the layers of human history found here, from the earliest prehistoric settlements to settlers whose lands were purchased to form the Ocala National Forest.

Visitor Centers

The Ocala National Forest has three major visitor centers - Salt Springs, Ocklawaha, and Pittman - and two ranger stations with visitor information. At each location, you'll find friendly, helpful personnel, brochures and maps of activities throughout the forest, and guidebooks for sale. Hours vary, so if you're not just stopping by on your way past, call ahead!

Water Activities

Boating - Motorized

Thanks to our renowned waterways - the St. Johns River and the Ocklawaha River - and our many, many lakes, recreational boating is a popular activity in the Ocala National Forest.

Motorized boating includes the use of outboard motors, trolling motors, and Jetskis. Please keep your safety and that of those around you first and foremost by practicing safe boating.

General Info:

Safety Information:

Practice Safe Boating

Learn to swim. The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim. This includes anyone participating in any boating activity.

Alcohol and boating don't mix. Alcohol impairs your judgment, balance, and coordination -- over 50 percent of drownings result from boating incidents involving alcohol. For the same reasons it is dangerous to operate an automobile while under the influence of alcohol, people should not operate a boat while drinking alcohol.

Look for the label: Use Coast Guard-approved life jackets for yourself and your passengers when boating and fishing.

Develop a float plan. Anytime you go out in a boat, give a responsible person details about where you will be and how long you will be gone. This is important because if the boat is delayed because of an emergency, becomes lost, or encounters other problems, you want help to be able to reach you.

Find a boating course in your area (U.S. Power Squadron, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, US Sailing, etc) -- these courses teach about navigation rules, emergency procedures and the effects of wind, water conditions, and weather.

Watch the weather: Know local weather conditions and prepare for electrical storms. Watch local news programs. Stop boating as soon as you see or hear a storm.

The Ocala National Forest Visitor Centers offer a book, Fishing Opportunities in the Ocala National Forest, which lists and describes boat ramps that are available in the forest. Lake descriptions, sport fishing information, specific regulations, recreation facilities, and lake access are also included in this handy guide. Copies of this book may be purchased at all three Visitor Centers for the Ocala National Forest.

Hours of Operation:

24 hours

Rental info:

Boat rentals are available at the Salt Springs Marina and at private marinas along the edge of the Ocala National Forest in Astor, Salt Springs, and Eureka.

Boating - Non-Motorized

Kayaking and canoeing are pleasurable and popular pursuits in the Ocala National Forest all year long. In addition to two major rivers - the Ocklawaha and St. Johns - there are spring runs flowing out of every major spring, and lakes to be paddled as well.

General Info:

Swimming

Magnificant springs form the basis for swimming holes in the Ocala National Forest, the water a constant temperature year-round and crystal-clear, excellent for snorkeling to see fish and other freshwater marine life.

Waterskiing

Waterskiing is a popular activity on Central Florida's lakes, including several in the Ocala National Forest. Skiers should observe all safety rules and be aware that any and all lakes and rivers in Florida are home to alligators.